Archibald Constable, London, 1897
FIRST Edition, Later Issue: Original cloth. An excellent clean, bright example of this first printing title bound in thicker paper stock, and the 1897 copyright and 1897 title pages, but with advertisements in the back. The first edition printed sheets were printed by the publisher in one-go, but then bound on more than a single occasion by the publisher, as orders were received, or perhaps to advertise other publications. The earliest first printing ‘first issue’ was bound with no advertisements.
“Those who cannot find their own reflection in Bram Stoker’s still-living creation are surely the undead” (New York Times Review of Books). Stoker’s “Dracula” laid the framework for an entire genre of literature and film.
The book is in superb condition for this title with the first issue points of being printed on the thicker paper stock and uncut pages. And the 1897 dates to both the title pages and copyright page, but bound with advertisements to the back. The book is firmly bound, and is quite readable without the usual cracked hinges or broken bindings. The original yellow cloth still remains in overall bright condition but with the common sunning to the spine cloth. Lovely red titles to the front, rear boards and the spine. The book has no edgewear but with ever so slightly pushed corner tips. The book is remarkably clean, all the pages intact, with no stains but to a few pages with a faded stain to the lower margin edge not affecting the text. Otherwise, no handling marks, no writing, no bent pages, and no foxing. Later issue printing, bound with advertisements to the back of the book starting with “The Amazing Marriage”. Original end papers present with a very faded erased owner name. Please see detailed images. No dust jacket as issued. An excellent clean, bright example of this first printing title bound with advertisements and with the correct 1897 date to the title page
A very desirable, scarce title. Displays well on the shelf. Note – the price of a first printing, first issue with the copyright page of 1897 and bound with no advertisements would list for $50,000.00 in this condition.
This copy is a lovely, very desirable, scarce title in clean, bright condition, and is one of the scarce first edition, later issues with the correct 1897 date on the title page.
